Today was a very nice recovery day. We are all sitting here outside now after a few workouts enjoying the shade and nice views. I got a little bit of a sleep in as I am not going to the pool in the AM with the crew. Hopefully I will be joining them very soon.
I rode with the second ride today that was about 30 miles or so that had a mini climb and some scenic views through Old Tuscon. Jonas and I basically rode by ourself as we opted for a slightlu faster pace. It was perfect for me to get the legs loose and some kinks worked out of them.
JD had a run planned this afternoon that left from the house into the trails. It was of course in the middle of the day with the sun beating down on us pretty hard. I like running in the heat because all the joints and muscles feel nice and loose. The trail was a bit unstable for my taste (at least until I feel more confident in the foot) but I faired well and the feet feel quite good right now. The run was 50 min.
Tomorow should be a pretty big day.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuscon Camp- DAY DUCE
Well the second day of camp is done and I think for me, day 2 is always the hardest. Sleep last night was pretty sketch as my legs were a bit crampy still from the poor hydration tactics I had on day one. Of course they were not done on purpose and it all kinda snuck up on me. Needless to say I was still feeling the effects when I got up this AM.
Luckily my mind was viewing the ride as an out and back ride of 40-45 miles total. Granted 21 of them would be straight up! Hills never scare me because after you get enough experience with riding you understand that you can get up anything and if it is long you just find the zone and keep grinding. If it gets hard, just slow down. Eventually you will get there....."eventually" was the key word today.
The climb was Mt. Lemmon. A long, windy, occasionally step climb that takes you from about 2,000 feet to 8,000 feet. Coming from sea level, each 1,000 got a bit more noticeable. I did have one moment where I had some flash backs from the Winter Park ride last summer but it passed nicely.
My group went out last and it was Jonas, JD, Matt, Dr. J, Nick, and Jody. It should be noted that Jody had a serious case of Montezuma the day before and I was a bit curious as to what the hell he was doing climbing to 8,000 feet with us. It should also be noted that he felt the same way when he finally got up there!
Anyway, we all rolled out and Nick had some bike issues so he turned back and JD being the Good Guy that he is turned back and went with him. The rest of us rolled on and in about 15 min we were met with MT. Lemmon. And so up we went at a comfortable pace. It picked up a bit with Jonas and I on the front but I knew it would not be long before Jonas threw out a "No. No. I must fall back and rest". He was bragging about how he was going to be the slowest up. When he got to the top he admitted that he took 2 walk breaks and then proceeded to put on some Abercrombie and Fitch cologne LOL....Gordo has the pick to prove it!
None the less little Matty Stein was rollin on the front with me spinning a cadence of about 105. I wasn't lucky enough to have that gearing. We started to roll and actually got moving pretty good. He was feisty and up for a challenge and around mile 9-10 broke away from me. I was worried about cramping and feared that if I tried to go after him I would make them fire up. But honestly he was riding really well and he had it on me today for sure.
I didn't mind getting dropped as the views were spectacular. Who knew Arizona was so nice looking? So I just kept it rolling and actually hooked up with this guy that was training for IM AZ. It was a bit annoying though because he was one of those guys that if you go to pass him he surges and makes you stay back. I just wanted to ride my steady but his pace was all over the place so occasionally I would creep up. It was clearly a race to him.....little did he know there was a 2 time Ultra Man Champion and 8:24 Ironman guy behind him taking walk breaks LOL. That fact also made getting dropped by Matt a bit easier on the ol' ego!
So when we got to the top we realized that there was nobody there. The other riders had started before us and we had all assumed that they were hauling ass up the hill and that is why we were not catching them. It never crossed our minds that they got lost and were behind us. Why would it? That would be logical- At 8,000 feet you are not logical.
We stood there for a minute and Matt rolled down as he was a bit further up and just as we figured out what had happened Gordo pulls another GREAT example of the "Hey Buddy". He was in the first group that left and then rounds the corner from below as we are standing there, we figure out they got lost, he gives a "Hey Buddy" and proceeds to go on up. * This Classic Gordo Moment was brought to you by Infinint.
Once we got to the top we all had a nice refuel, I was happy that my legs made it and Jonas smelled good. We put on some warm clothes and made the decent. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be and didn't feel like 21 miles of down hill. But I still rode like a wuss...
Jonas and I were carted off to the house as we were going to be late for a massage. KP and a few others hopped in so we got to have a bit of social time in the van while we sat in Tuscon traffic. Damn it was alot of traffic.
The massage was great, dinner was AWESOME! And then we had a few good chats about training and how Jonas hates to get up early for training and thinks it is stupid. He and I then went on a 30 min run to prove later hours of the day are just as good as early ones!
Still not swimming but the injection is on it's way and I hope to be in the water a day or two after I get it.
Cheers,
bdc
Luckily my mind was viewing the ride as an out and back ride of 40-45 miles total. Granted 21 of them would be straight up! Hills never scare me because after you get enough experience with riding you understand that you can get up anything and if it is long you just find the zone and keep grinding. If it gets hard, just slow down. Eventually you will get there....."eventually" was the key word today.
The climb was Mt. Lemmon. A long, windy, occasionally step climb that takes you from about 2,000 feet to 8,000 feet. Coming from sea level, each 1,000 got a bit more noticeable. I did have one moment where I had some flash backs from the Winter Park ride last summer but it passed nicely.
My group went out last and it was Jonas, JD, Matt, Dr. J, Nick, and Jody. It should be noted that Jody had a serious case of Montezuma the day before and I was a bit curious as to what the hell he was doing climbing to 8,000 feet with us. It should also be noted that he felt the same way when he finally got up there!
Anyway, we all rolled out and Nick had some bike issues so he turned back and JD being the Good Guy that he is turned back and went with him. The rest of us rolled on and in about 15 min we were met with MT. Lemmon. And so up we went at a comfortable pace. It picked up a bit with Jonas and I on the front but I knew it would not be long before Jonas threw out a "No. No. I must fall back and rest". He was bragging about how he was going to be the slowest up. When he got to the top he admitted that he took 2 walk breaks and then proceeded to put on some Abercrombie and Fitch cologne LOL....Gordo has the pick to prove it!
None the less little Matty Stein was rollin on the front with me spinning a cadence of about 105. I wasn't lucky enough to have that gearing. We started to roll and actually got moving pretty good. He was feisty and up for a challenge and around mile 9-10 broke away from me. I was worried about cramping and feared that if I tried to go after him I would make them fire up. But honestly he was riding really well and he had it on me today for sure.
I didn't mind getting dropped as the views were spectacular. Who knew Arizona was so nice looking? So I just kept it rolling and actually hooked up with this guy that was training for IM AZ. It was a bit annoying though because he was one of those guys that if you go to pass him he surges and makes you stay back. I just wanted to ride my steady but his pace was all over the place so occasionally I would creep up. It was clearly a race to him.....little did he know there was a 2 time Ultra Man Champion and 8:24 Ironman guy behind him taking walk breaks LOL. That fact also made getting dropped by Matt a bit easier on the ol' ego!
So when we got to the top we realized that there was nobody there. The other riders had started before us and we had all assumed that they were hauling ass up the hill and that is why we were not catching them. It never crossed our minds that they got lost and were behind us. Why would it? That would be logical- At 8,000 feet you are not logical.
We stood there for a minute and Matt rolled down as he was a bit further up and just as we figured out what had happened Gordo pulls another GREAT example of the "Hey Buddy". He was in the first group that left and then rounds the corner from below as we are standing there, we figure out they got lost, he gives a "Hey Buddy" and proceeds to go on up. * This Classic Gordo Moment was brought to you by Infinint.
Once we got to the top we all had a nice refuel, I was happy that my legs made it and Jonas smelled good. We put on some warm clothes and made the decent. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be and didn't feel like 21 miles of down hill. But I still rode like a wuss...
Jonas and I were carted off to the house as we were going to be late for a massage. KP and a few others hopped in so we got to have a bit of social time in the van while we sat in Tuscon traffic. Damn it was alot of traffic.
The massage was great, dinner was AWESOME! And then we had a few good chats about training and how Jonas hates to get up early for training and thinks it is stupid. He and I then went on a 30 min run to prove later hours of the day are just as good as early ones!
Still not swimming but the injection is on it's way and I hope to be in the water a day or two after I get it.
Cheers,
bdc
Sunday, March 23, 2008
March Madness 4 Triathletes
I am now in Tuscon Arizona and done with a nice week of recovery training in Victoria, BC. I can't begin to express how HAPPY I am to be training with some of my good buds here in AZ.
I think that my time in NZ (In training) was a bit of solitary confinement. It was really hard to do so much on my own when it was combined with a few of the injuries that I am dealing with. When you are isolated it seems that so many of the negative things are exaggerated. Or at least the way in which you react to them. I can already feel the health beginning just from being around the group.
Today we up to Madera Canyon. On the way out it was myself, Gordo, JD, Jonas and Nick. Nick is my roomie for the came and from North Carolina (friends with Jon Shilt and Dr. J). He got a nice taste today riding with us. He had mentioned that he felt "great to be riding with the big boys". I still feel that way!
The climb to Madera was decent but I think the biggest challenge was how DRY it was out. I don't think it is possible to stay properly hydrated in this weather but will try better tomorrow.
Jonas did his usual first day get in the van. One of the best things about Jonas is that he trains without his ego and is not afraid to make smart decisions. He flew something like 40 hours in the last two days so he knew anything more would be stupid. Something we can all learn from.
JD got in as he is working the camp so on the way back it was just Gordo, Nick and myself. We rode well but got a bit broken up due to a flat. I actually dropped back for a second as I started to get some abductor cramps. I think it was just a sign of dehydration. Normally when you get these as strong as I got them you would think the ride is over. I just slowed down for a bit and got in as much water as I could. I actually recovered from them and got rolling again at a nice pace. I caught up to some of the riders that had gone off early and was very happy to ride in with KP. If you ever need a nice draft he is one great dude to get it from.
When we got back I decided that one of my "things" for the camp would be to get out of my bike clothes as fast as possible and shower up. Monica would be so proud of me :-) No mushrooms! haha....I like to call what I am doing a great example of how to properly execute a true Gordo Byrn "Hey Buddy". You see, you have a nice hard day out on the bike, get in and get cleaned and dressed as quick as possible. Then you sit outside, looking so well groomed, and give everyone that rolls in a "Hey buddy" as if you had been sitting there all day enjoying the sun!
Really looking forward to the rest of this camp and very happy to be back in the states with the Good Guys and CO.
Will keep you posted on how everything is going in the run department and if we can get Dr. J a cortisone injector so we can shoot up my shoulder. We did run for 50min this AM and it felt pretty good.
Cheers,
bdc
I think that my time in NZ (In training) was a bit of solitary confinement. It was really hard to do so much on my own when it was combined with a few of the injuries that I am dealing with. When you are isolated it seems that so many of the negative things are exaggerated. Or at least the way in which you react to them. I can already feel the health beginning just from being around the group.
Today we up to Madera Canyon. On the way out it was myself, Gordo, JD, Jonas and Nick. Nick is my roomie for the came and from North Carolina (friends with Jon Shilt and Dr. J). He got a nice taste today riding with us. He had mentioned that he felt "great to be riding with the big boys". I still feel that way!
The climb to Madera was decent but I think the biggest challenge was how DRY it was out. I don't think it is possible to stay properly hydrated in this weather but will try better tomorrow.
Jonas did his usual first day get in the van. One of the best things about Jonas is that he trains without his ego and is not afraid to make smart decisions. He flew something like 40 hours in the last two days so he knew anything more would be stupid. Something we can all learn from.
JD got in as he is working the camp so on the way back it was just Gordo, Nick and myself. We rode well but got a bit broken up due to a flat. I actually dropped back for a second as I started to get some abductor cramps. I think it was just a sign of dehydration. Normally when you get these as strong as I got them you would think the ride is over. I just slowed down for a bit and got in as much water as I could. I actually recovered from them and got rolling again at a nice pace. I caught up to some of the riders that had gone off early and was very happy to ride in with KP. If you ever need a nice draft he is one great dude to get it from.
When we got back I decided that one of my "things" for the camp would be to get out of my bike clothes as fast as possible and shower up. Monica would be so proud of me :-) No mushrooms! haha....I like to call what I am doing a great example of how to properly execute a true Gordo Byrn "Hey Buddy". You see, you have a nice hard day out on the bike, get in and get cleaned and dressed as quick as possible. Then you sit outside, looking so well groomed, and give everyone that rolls in a "Hey buddy" as if you had been sitting there all day enjoying the sun!
Really looking forward to the rest of this camp and very happy to be back in the states with the Good Guys and CO.
Will keep you posted on how everything is going in the run department and if we can get Dr. J a cortisone injector so we can shoot up my shoulder. We did run for 50min this AM and it felt pretty good.
Cheers,
bdc
Friday, March 14, 2008
A Very Good Letter
My last post was my own response to Rep Sally Kern. My friend Brett forwarded a letter to me that was written by a High School Senior named Tucker. I found the letter to be well written and very powerful. I wanted to share it with you:
*NOTE- He uses the word tolerance a few times. Take a moment and see if you can understand my issues with that word in the letter. My last post explains the "tolerance" issue.
Rep. Kern,
On April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City a terrorist detonated a bomb that killed my mother and 167 others. 19 children died that day. Had I not had the chicken pox that day, the body count would've likely have included one more. Over 800 other Oklahomans were injured that day and many of those still suffer through their permanent wounds.
That terrorist was neither a homosexual or was he involved in Islam. He was an extremist Christian forcing his views through a body count. He held his beliefs and made those who didn't live up to them pay with their lives.
As you were not a resident of Oklahoma on that day, it could be explained why you so carelessly chose words saying that the homosexual agenda is worst than terrorism. I can most certainly tell you through my own experience that is not true. I am sure there are many people in your voting district that laid a loved one to death after the terrorist attack on Oklahoma City. I kind of doubt you'll find one of them that will agree with you.
I was five years old when my mother died. I remember what a beautiful, wise, and remarkable woman she was. I miss her. Your harsh words and misguided beliefs brought me to tears, because you told me that my mother's killer was a better person than a group of people that are seeking safety and tolerance for themselves.
As someone left motherless and victimized by terrorists, I say to you very clearly you are absolutely wrong.
You represent a district in Oklahoma City and you very coldly express a lack of love, sympathy or understanding for what they've been through. Can I ask if you might have chosen wiser words were you a real Oklahoman that was here to share the suffering with Oklahoma City? Might your heart be a bit less cold had you been around to see the small bodies of children being pulled out of rubble and carried away by weeping firemen?
I've spent 12 years in Oklahoma public schools and never once have I had anyone try to force a gay agenda on me. I have seen, however, many gay students beat up and there's never a day in school that has went by when I haven't heard the word **** slung at someone. I've been called gay slurs many times and they hurt and I am not even gay so I can just imagine how a real gay person feels. You were a school teacher and you have seen those things too. How could you care so little about the suffering of some of your students?
Let me tell you the result of your words in my school. Every openly gay and suspected gay in the school were having to walk together Monday for protection. They looked scared. They've already experienced enough hate and now your words gave other students even more motivation to sneer at them and call them names. After all, you are a teacher and a lawmaker, many young people have taken your words to heart. That happens when you assume a role of responsibility in your community. I seriously think before this week ends that some kids here will be going home bruised and bloody because of what you said.
I wish you could've met my mom. Maybe she could've guided you in how a real Christian should be acting and speaking.
I have not had a mother for nearly 13 years now and wonder if there were fewer people like you around, people with more love and tolerance in their hearts instead of strife, if my mom would be here to watch me graduate from high school this spring. Now she won't be there. So I'll be packing my things and leaving Oklahoma to go to college elsewhere and one day be a writer and I have no intentions to ever return here. I have no doubt that people like you will incite crazy people to build more bombs and kill more people again. I don't want to be here for that. I just can't go through that again.
You may just see me as a kid, but let me try to teach you something. The old saying is sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Well, your words hurt me. Your words disrespected the memory of my mom. Your words can cause others to pick up sticks and stones and hurt others.
Sincerely,
Tucker
*NOTE- He uses the word tolerance a few times. Take a moment and see if you can understand my issues with that word in the letter. My last post explains the "tolerance" issue.
Rep. Kern,
On April 19, 1995, in Oklahoma City a terrorist detonated a bomb that killed my mother and 167 others. 19 children died that day. Had I not had the chicken pox that day, the body count would've likely have included one more. Over 800 other Oklahomans were injured that day and many of those still suffer through their permanent wounds.
That terrorist was neither a homosexual or was he involved in Islam. He was an extremist Christian forcing his views through a body count. He held his beliefs and made those who didn't live up to them pay with their lives.
As you were not a resident of Oklahoma on that day, it could be explained why you so carelessly chose words saying that the homosexual agenda is worst than terrorism. I can most certainly tell you through my own experience that is not true. I am sure there are many people in your voting district that laid a loved one to death after the terrorist attack on Oklahoma City. I kind of doubt you'll find one of them that will agree with you.
I was five years old when my mother died. I remember what a beautiful, wise, and remarkable woman she was. I miss her. Your harsh words and misguided beliefs brought me to tears, because you told me that my mother's killer was a better person than a group of people that are seeking safety and tolerance for themselves.
As someone left motherless and victimized by terrorists, I say to you very clearly you are absolutely wrong.
You represent a district in Oklahoma City and you very coldly express a lack of love, sympathy or understanding for what they've been through. Can I ask if you might have chosen wiser words were you a real Oklahoman that was here to share the suffering with Oklahoma City? Might your heart be a bit less cold had you been around to see the small bodies of children being pulled out of rubble and carried away by weeping firemen?
I've spent 12 years in Oklahoma public schools and never once have I had anyone try to force a gay agenda on me. I have seen, however, many gay students beat up and there's never a day in school that has went by when I haven't heard the word **** slung at someone. I've been called gay slurs many times and they hurt and I am not even gay so I can just imagine how a real gay person feels. You were a school teacher and you have seen those things too. How could you care so little about the suffering of some of your students?
Let me tell you the result of your words in my school. Every openly gay and suspected gay in the school were having to walk together Monday for protection. They looked scared. They've already experienced enough hate and now your words gave other students even more motivation to sneer at them and call them names. After all, you are a teacher and a lawmaker, many young people have taken your words to heart. That happens when you assume a role of responsibility in your community. I seriously think before this week ends that some kids here will be going home bruised and bloody because of what you said.
I wish you could've met my mom. Maybe she could've guided you in how a real Christian should be acting and speaking.
I have not had a mother for nearly 13 years now and wonder if there were fewer people like you around, people with more love and tolerance in their hearts instead of strife, if my mom would be here to watch me graduate from high school this spring. Now she won't be there. So I'll be packing my things and leaving Oklahoma to go to college elsewhere and one day be a writer and I have no intentions to ever return here. I have no doubt that people like you will incite crazy people to build more bombs and kill more people again. I don't want to be here for that. I just can't go through that again.
You may just see me as a kid, but let me try to teach you something. The old saying is sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Well, your words hurt me. Your words disrespected the memory of my mom. Your words can cause others to pick up sticks and stones and hurt others.
Sincerely,
Tucker
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sally Kern
Okay people- Here is the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRGau30jl3E&feature=related
Maybe at some point I will get smart enough to just put the actual video in the blog. Until then it is cut and paste. Watch it if you want more reference to what I am talking about.
Basically, republican (and christian) representative Sally Kern made some pretty extreme statements towards gay people. She has refused to apologize for it, and in my mind I don't give a rats ass if she ever does because it wouldn't be sincere anyway. She asked the question "what is so wrong with me as an American using my right to free speech?"
That is actually a VERY good question. We do live in a country where you are allowed free speech, unless of course you are in the media or military (the beginning of the end tisk tisk), and that freedom is something worth protecting. I think you should be able to say whatever the hell you want. I also think that we as a people need to start making sure that speech like this comes with consequences.
She has a right to have her religious views about this. She has her right to feel that way even without her religion (Which I will get to in a minute). What everyone needs to understand is that if you do not feel the way Sally Kern does and you think it is CRAZY and HATE FULL you need to start speaking up. I have said it time and time again that allowing public figures and people in power positions to hold these types of views is not just hateful but it also lethal.
It makes me so mad! Some people tell me to just let it go and understand that these people exist. Why should I let it go? I know what it does....... The sad part to me is that the gay population is too small and "injured", if you ask me, to beat it.
I am confused on a daily basis why people are so threatened by this. How did we get here? Why is this a nation obsessed with homosexuality? I think it's largely Christians. Lo Siento all my fellow christian friends but you get the majority of the blame if you ask me. I know the christian people that are friends with me are going to write me and say that "those" people are not really Christians. And yes, I know you guys don't feel that way and that there are many Christians that also don't feel that way. But guess what? That doesn't make people like Sally Kern not a christian.
But it goes beyond the Christianity because you see all these posts out there that say "Well the bible also says throw a stone at a women if she eats pig or if you cut your lawn on Tuesday you go to hell". I ovioulsy don't know the real examples that people take from the bible to contradict the whole "gay is evil" thing and I'm too tired to look them up so hopefully you have heard them. I am also tired of people using that as a come back because it doesn't do anything. These Christians don't care about those parts of the bible. They are just obsessed with thinking that it says homosexuality is the end all of end all. Why is that? I really really really want to know.
But you can't know. They don't even know. And there, my friends, is the problem. If you can't know then you can't solve. How do we go about solving the problem that a good majority of homophobia and hate comes from crazy Christians that don't even know why they feel that way? They have a right to their religion, speech and opinions and unfortunately they feel it is necessary to loudly express them. And they also like to breed....alot.
Do we decide to have a society where we just tolerate them and they tolerate us? No thanks. If you live in a state of tolerance you live in a state of hate. Tolerance is for a bad hair day and everyone hates a bad hair day. I can't believe there is a museum in LA about the Holocaust called the "Museum of Tolerance" Such a poor choice of words. It's okay to hate the Jews but just try and up that tolerance a bit so ya don't feel the need to kill em....
I guess it all goes back to influence. To the individual. To education and relations. To projecting what you want the society you live in to look like. That may sound a bit corny and new age but it's all I can come up with....
If you want to help in regards to education please visit:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Take_Action_Team_eRace_Hate_Lobby
Or you can sponsor my efforts at:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1203161&pg=fund&fr_id=1120
Don't feel like you have to be a rock star to donate. Even a 5 dollar donation shows you listening!
Cheers,
bdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRGau30jl3E&feature=related
Maybe at some point I will get smart enough to just put the actual video in the blog. Until then it is cut and paste. Watch it if you want more reference to what I am talking about.
Basically, republican (and christian) representative Sally Kern made some pretty extreme statements towards gay people. She has refused to apologize for it, and in my mind I don't give a rats ass if she ever does because it wouldn't be sincere anyway. She asked the question "what is so wrong with me as an American using my right to free speech?"
That is actually a VERY good question. We do live in a country where you are allowed free speech, unless of course you are in the media or military (the beginning of the end tisk tisk), and that freedom is something worth protecting. I think you should be able to say whatever the hell you want. I also think that we as a people need to start making sure that speech like this comes with consequences.
She has a right to have her religious views about this. She has her right to feel that way even without her religion (Which I will get to in a minute). What everyone needs to understand is that if you do not feel the way Sally Kern does and you think it is CRAZY and HATE FULL you need to start speaking up. I have said it time and time again that allowing public figures and people in power positions to hold these types of views is not just hateful but it also lethal.
It makes me so mad! Some people tell me to just let it go and understand that these people exist. Why should I let it go? I know what it does....... The sad part to me is that the gay population is too small and "injured", if you ask me, to beat it.
I am confused on a daily basis why people are so threatened by this. How did we get here? Why is this a nation obsessed with homosexuality? I think it's largely Christians. Lo Siento all my fellow christian friends but you get the majority of the blame if you ask me. I know the christian people that are friends with me are going to write me and say that "those" people are not really Christians. And yes, I know you guys don't feel that way and that there are many Christians that also don't feel that way. But guess what? That doesn't make people like Sally Kern not a christian.
But it goes beyond the Christianity because you see all these posts out there that say "Well the bible also says throw a stone at a women if she eats pig or if you cut your lawn on Tuesday you go to hell". I ovioulsy don't know the real examples that people take from the bible to contradict the whole "gay is evil" thing and I'm too tired to look them up so hopefully you have heard them. I am also tired of people using that as a come back because it doesn't do anything. These Christians don't care about those parts of the bible. They are just obsessed with thinking that it says homosexuality is the end all of end all. Why is that? I really really really want to know.
But you can't know. They don't even know. And there, my friends, is the problem. If you can't know then you can't solve. How do we go about solving the problem that a good majority of homophobia and hate comes from crazy Christians that don't even know why they feel that way? They have a right to their religion, speech and opinions and unfortunately they feel it is necessary to loudly express them. And they also like to breed....alot.
Do we decide to have a society where we just tolerate them and they tolerate us? No thanks. If you live in a state of tolerance you live in a state of hate. Tolerance is for a bad hair day and everyone hates a bad hair day. I can't believe there is a museum in LA about the Holocaust called the "Museum of Tolerance" Such a poor choice of words. It's okay to hate the Jews but just try and up that tolerance a bit so ya don't feel the need to kill em....
I guess it all goes back to influence. To the individual. To education and relations. To projecting what you want the society you live in to look like. That may sound a bit corny and new age but it's all I can come up with....
If you want to help in regards to education please visit:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Take_Action_Team_eRace_Hate_Lobby
Or you can sponsor my efforts at:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1203161&pg=fund&fr_id=1120
Don't feel like you have to be a rock star to donate. Even a 5 dollar donation shows you listening!
Cheers,
bdc
Monday, March 10, 2008
A True Loss
"Long Bays" will always be "Kristy's Ride".
When I first came down to New Zealand in 2006 Kristy was one of the first people that I met. We were living in the same place and she saw me lying on a giant trampoline that was in the yard and just came over, jumped on and tried to "bounce me off it" and then laughed. She knew I had come by myself and was just being friendly. Her boyfriend at the time, Class, had not showed up yet. The two of us kept each other company for that first week in NZ and shared our love of tasty snacks from the bulk bins.
Kristy had taken me out on a few rides that week so that I would know where I was going. One of those rides is called Long Bays that takes you through the hills and then around some very scenic bays. I did that ride yesterday and was reflecting on my first trip down here and how much I had changed as a rider and person. I gave a lot of thought to my first Long Bays ride two years ago with Kristy. I had come to this section of the ride where she and I stopped to take a picture and once again got off my bike to take a moment. I was really just reflecting on myself and the good times that we all had that year. It made me think that this may be the last time I come down to Christchurch as the tri scene has seemed to fade away.
When I got back from the ride I had put on my check list to e-mail Kristy and see how she has been doing and find out if she was going to be racing Wildflower. She was there last year and I wanted to make sure that we had the chance to catch up if she was racing again.
I am in shock of the news that she was killed yesterday in bike accident. Apparently she was out riding with a friend of hers. They were both struck by a police car that crossed over the double yellow line and killed instantly. A third person was also injured in the crash.
This is a very tragic sad time for anyone that knew Kristy. I think it is a tragic time for anyone that rides a bike. We all know the risk is ever present and each year it seems that you are only a few degrees away from someone that has been killed. It never makes sense and always feels like it could have been avoided.
I will miss Kristy and her loving, spunky, outwardly introverted self. She was one of a kind and will be part of my memories from a time that was very special to me.
R.I.P
Friday, February 29, 2008
Team E-Race Hate
I have wanted to write a blog on the recent murder of 15 year old Lawerence King but haven't really known exactly what to say. This was a tragic incident on so many levels. It is so hard for most people to grasp the reality of this that they don't even begin to try. It just gets written off as a tragedy.
I don't want to write this off. I want people to understand that when we live in a society where a 14 year old boy kills a 15 year old boy in his class room that is filled with other students we are failing as a society. It has been labeled a hate crime stating that Lawerence King was shot because he was gay. No! That is NOT why he was shot.
Lawerence King was shot because our society has sent a message about being gay that is so strong and rage full that it would cause another human being to feel the need to go and commit an act of murder. You may say that Brandon McInerney, the 14 year old classmate that shot him, was just a minor and did not understand the severity of what he was doing. Well guess what people? Brandon McInerney will pay the price for his action but in my mind he will be serving time that is rightfully ours.
By "ours" I mean society's. Brandon IS a 14 year old kid and the fact that he pulled that trigger signifies a second crime. The second crime was committed by our society. It is time that we understand these incidents that happen are our OWN. We OWN them. All of us! Whether we choose to accept that or not.
It isn't just about the "gay" issue or the "gun" issue or the "violence in the media" issue or the "video game" issue or the "macho" issue. It is one big mess that results in incidents like this one. Where does it begin? Where does it end?
I'm not exactly sure what the answer to those questions are. I do know that we are not at the beginning or the end so we can disregard them and focus on where we are RIGHT NOW. Right now we are at a point where a 15 year old gay kid gets shot by his 14 year old class mate. Right now we are lacking in many areas of education that expands on understanding the differences in a society.
It seems on the surface that we are moving in the right direction regarding the "gay" issue. However, this incident has me questioning that. Do I feel that we are headed towards equality because there was a show called "Will and Grace" or "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy"? Do I feel that way because you are seeing talk and some action of Civil Unions? Possibly. But really, I think that for the most part gay people in this country are just one big lame novelty. I mean, civil unions aren't even close to the equality of marriage. And the gay people that you see in the media, well, does that really add to truth and understanding. I don't think it does.
Long Pause....
Okay this blog is proving to be way to hard for me to write because I grew up knowing that I was gay at about the age of 4. I lived with it silently until I was 19. Then I came out and then I had to "come out" again when I started this whole triathlon thing. My perspective of it is all over the map and I am finding that evertying I know and understand in my head about it is too complicated for me to wirte in a blog. Besides, so much of it can never be understood unless you experienced it for yourself. So let me try and get back and focus on the incident in Oxnard as best I can.
What we need to do is start with education. We need to get past the point of taboo around the subject. We can't move forward until we realize that addressing gay issues at younger ages is okay. If it was addressed when I was a kid I would be a completely different person. At times it saddens me that it wasn't. I don't want someone to go through what I went through and I certainly don't want more shootings or hate crimes to take place. I can guarantee that it will continue if we don't begin to take action now.
You may wonder how you can take action on this. Luckily I have created a way for anyone to help through a new program that I have started with The Matthew Shepard Foundation called Team E-Race Hate.
Matthew Shepard was murdered for being gay almost 10 years ago. In fact, the anniversary of his death will fall on October 12th of this year, the day before the Hawaii Ironman. His mother Judy has dedicated her life to his foundation which educates and enlightens others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. While her son was murdered for being gay she feels that the mission of the foundation is meant for all.
I have decided to dedicate my entire triathlon career to help Judy Shepard spread her message. I love this sport so much and I see how so many come together to better themselves and everyone they come in contact with. What better forum for me to work in than triathlon?
What I have done is set up a fundraising program that works in two ways. The first is simply through financial donation to the program. I have created my own fundraising page that you can link to below and donate on line. The second is to decide that you want to dedicate a race you are doing to The Matthew Shepard Foundation and create your own personal fundraising page. My main goal is for Team E-Race Hate to raise $100,000 dollars by Oct 12th. I encourage athletes that decide to raise funds to commit to raising $1,000 dollars or more. We do have a marathon team that is recruiting specifically for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon which falls on Oct 12th. Anyone is welcome to the program and can recieve free coaching from me by signing up.
There will be fundraising incentives along the way and I am having Team E-Race Hate kits, visors and other gear made. I will keep you posted on how that is coming. In the mean time you can check out the website and my fundraising page below. You will also find all the information you need regarding The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Team E-Race Hate Page:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Take_Action_Team_eRace_Hate_Lobby
BDC's Fundraising Page:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1203161&pg=fund&fr_id=1120
The best thing about this cause is that we have our cure! We just need people to start distributing it. Please find a way to do what you can.
Thank you,
BDC
I don't want to write this off. I want people to understand that when we live in a society where a 14 year old boy kills a 15 year old boy in his class room that is filled with other students we are failing as a society. It has been labeled a hate crime stating that Lawerence King was shot because he was gay. No! That is NOT why he was shot.
Lawerence King was shot because our society has sent a message about being gay that is so strong and rage full that it would cause another human being to feel the need to go and commit an act of murder. You may say that Brandon McInerney, the 14 year old classmate that shot him, was just a minor and did not understand the severity of what he was doing. Well guess what people? Brandon McInerney will pay the price for his action but in my mind he will be serving time that is rightfully ours.
By "ours" I mean society's. Brandon IS a 14 year old kid and the fact that he pulled that trigger signifies a second crime. The second crime was committed by our society. It is time that we understand these incidents that happen are our OWN. We OWN them. All of us! Whether we choose to accept that or not.
It isn't just about the "gay" issue or the "gun" issue or the "violence in the media" issue or the "video game" issue or the "macho" issue. It is one big mess that results in incidents like this one. Where does it begin? Where does it end?
I'm not exactly sure what the answer to those questions are. I do know that we are not at the beginning or the end so we can disregard them and focus on where we are RIGHT NOW. Right now we are at a point where a 15 year old gay kid gets shot by his 14 year old class mate. Right now we are lacking in many areas of education that expands on understanding the differences in a society.
It seems on the surface that we are moving in the right direction regarding the "gay" issue. However, this incident has me questioning that. Do I feel that we are headed towards equality because there was a show called "Will and Grace" or "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy"? Do I feel that way because you are seeing talk and some action of Civil Unions? Possibly. But really, I think that for the most part gay people in this country are just one big lame novelty. I mean, civil unions aren't even close to the equality of marriage. And the gay people that you see in the media, well, does that really add to truth and understanding. I don't think it does.
Long Pause....
Okay this blog is proving to be way to hard for me to write because I grew up knowing that I was gay at about the age of 4. I lived with it silently until I was 19. Then I came out and then I had to "come out" again when I started this whole triathlon thing. My perspective of it is all over the map and I am finding that evertying I know and understand in my head about it is too complicated for me to wirte in a blog. Besides, so much of it can never be understood unless you experienced it for yourself. So let me try and get back and focus on the incident in Oxnard as best I can.
What we need to do is start with education. We need to get past the point of taboo around the subject. We can't move forward until we realize that addressing gay issues at younger ages is okay. If it was addressed when I was a kid I would be a completely different person. At times it saddens me that it wasn't. I don't want someone to go through what I went through and I certainly don't want more shootings or hate crimes to take place. I can guarantee that it will continue if we don't begin to take action now.
You may wonder how you can take action on this. Luckily I have created a way for anyone to help through a new program that I have started with The Matthew Shepard Foundation called Team E-Race Hate.
Matthew Shepard was murdered for being gay almost 10 years ago. In fact, the anniversary of his death will fall on October 12th of this year, the day before the Hawaii Ironman. His mother Judy has dedicated her life to his foundation which educates and enlightens others on the importance of diversity, understanding, compassion, acceptance and respect. While her son was murdered for being gay she feels that the mission of the foundation is meant for all.
I have decided to dedicate my entire triathlon career to help Judy Shepard spread her message. I love this sport so much and I see how so many come together to better themselves and everyone they come in contact with. What better forum for me to work in than triathlon?
What I have done is set up a fundraising program that works in two ways. The first is simply through financial donation to the program. I have created my own fundraising page that you can link to below and donate on line. The second is to decide that you want to dedicate a race you are doing to The Matthew Shepard Foundation and create your own personal fundraising page. My main goal is for Team E-Race Hate to raise $100,000 dollars by Oct 12th. I encourage athletes that decide to raise funds to commit to raising $1,000 dollars or more. We do have a marathon team that is recruiting specifically for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon which falls on Oct 12th. Anyone is welcome to the program and can recieve free coaching from me by signing up.
There will be fundraising incentives along the way and I am having Team E-Race Hate kits, visors and other gear made. I will keep you posted on how that is coming. In the mean time you can check out the website and my fundraising page below. You will also find all the information you need regarding The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Team E-Race Hate Page:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Take_Action_Team_eRace_Hate_Lobby
BDC's Fundraising Page:
http://www.matthewshepard.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1203161&pg=fund&fr_id=1120
The best thing about this cause is that we have our cure! We just need people to start distributing it. Please find a way to do what you can.
Thank you,
BDC
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